What can you do with a Construction Management degree?

First, some facts. Of the Construction Management graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 719 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 82%, Construction Management graduates have a much higher likelihood (+15%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 82%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 7% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Construction Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Construction Management graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 0%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2014 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.) in Construction Management. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Claims Processor
Nationwide Insurance
Apr 2014 - Aug 2015
The Claims Processor position does not require any construction management skills or knowledge, making it unrelated to the Bachelor's degree in Construction Management.

Financial Services Support Rep
Nationwide Insurance
Aug 2015 - Present
The Financial Services Support Rep role does not involve the core qualifications or specific skills related to construction management, rendering it irrelevant to the degree.

ABOUT

Experienced Financial Services Representative with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. Skilled in Microsoft Word, Sales, Team Building, Management, and Leadership. Strong support professional.

What jobs can you get with a Construction Management degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After diving into a considerable number of job profiles from individuals who completed a degree in Construction Management, it’s clear that their career paths reflect a broad spectrum of roles within the construction industry. The most common jobs reported include Project Engineer, Project Manager, Field Engineer, and various supervisory roles like Superintendent. These jobs often require a solid understanding of construction principles, project coordination, and execution, which ties back to the core competencies learned during their degree programs. It’s fascinating to see how many have taken on positions that explicitly state a day-to-day interaction with construction management tasks, showcasing the practical application of their education.

However, not all job roles align directly with the skills obtained in a Construction Management degree. For instance, some individuals have ventured into roles such as sales representatives, customer service roles, or project support positions that involve minimal construction-related responsibilities. In these cases, while there may be some overlap in skills—like project planning or resource management—the relevance to their construction management training is quite limited. It’s a mixed bag; many graduates are finding roles that leverage their specialized knowledge and skills, while others have taken paths that diverge significantly from what they studied.

Overall, it can be said that the majority of the job roles listed tend to be relevant to Construction Management, with a focus on oversight, engineering, and project management. Yet, it's important to notice that some profiles indicate involvement in industries or functions that don’t fully utilize the construction management expertise, suggesting that graduates need to be purposeful in selecting roles that best match their education and career aspirations. Thus, while many graduates find fulfilling roles aligned with their education, a portion can drift into positions that fail to leverage their specific training in construction management effectively.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Construction Management graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Construction Management graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career paths of recent graduates in Construction Management, one can see a variety of trajectories that ultimately lead to a mix of successes and a few detours. Typically, these graduates begin their careers in positions such as field engineers, project coordinators, or construction inspectors right after graduation. Many start getting their feet wet with internships or entry-level roles at well-known companies in the industry, like Kiewit, Turner Construction, or DPR Construction. This initial foray is crucial, as it lays the foundation for their skills and experiences in the built environment. It's important to note that some individuals may find themselves transitioning into unrelated fields or taking on positions that don't leverage their construction management education immediately after graduation.

Fast forward five to ten years later, and you can see that many of these graduates either stay in their construction roles and climb the corporate ladder—moving from project engineer to project manager, or even advancing to senior project management positions—or pivot into specialized roles like estimators or field superintendents. Those that stick with construction often find themselves in more leadership-focused roles or managing large projects, signifying a successful alignment with their studies. On the flip side, there are cases where individuals transition into seemingly unrelated sectors, such as sales or operations management, suggesting that while a degree in construction management opens doors, it doesn't necessarily guarantee a direct path within the construction industry. Overall, the trajectory for many seems positive—highlighting a solid industry demand for construction management graduates—while also acknowledging that some may drift into unrelated fields or face setbacks in their desired career paths after graduation.

How hard is a Construction Management degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management is generally considered to be a bit more challenging than your average degree. You're going to tackle subjects like project management, building codes, and even some engineering principles, which means you’ll need to have a good grasp of math and problem-solving skills. While it does have its tough spots, like working on group projects or staying on top of deadlines, many find it manageable if they stay organized and engaged. So, if you have a knack for organization and teamwork, and you’re okay with some challenging coursework, you might find it a rewarding experience!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Construction Management.

Do Construction Management graduates tend to make good money?

Based on the job trajectories of these construction management graduates, it's clear that many have carved out decent careers with varied income potential. For instance, those who advanced to project manager or estimator roles often gravitate towards six-figure salaries due to the demand in the construction industry. Conversely, some individuals are still in lower-level positions, such as field engineers or assistants, which typically don't pay as much. However, many graduates appear to be on a solid upward trajectory, with promotions and shifts into managerial roles, which suggests they are likely earning more as they gain experience.

Overall, while it's a mixed bag when it comes to individual earnings, the general trend points towards a promising earning potential in the construction management field for those who stay in the industry and continue to advance their careers. Graduates who secure higher managerial roles or those starting businesses seem to be making decent money, while those in entry-level positions might still be climbing the ladder. It's worth noting that real success can also come from networking, continuing education, and gaining certifications, as these can significantly boost earning potential down the road.

What buzzwords do Construction Management graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Construction Management. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Construction Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Construction Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Construction Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Purdue University 94 10
Georgia Southern University 94 14
Colorado State University 88 20
Louisiana State University 87 35
East Carolina University 87 20
University of Houston 85 15
Brigham Young University - Idaho 85 11
Everglades University 84 15
Texas A&M University 76 16
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 76 10
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 71 10